Operation controlling device and video processing system used therewith

ABSTRACT

A video processing system is described including a video processing device which generates a sequence of video display frames on a display unit under the control of a stored program, and a unique operation controlling device which is connected to the video processing device and which supplies signals in response to an operator&#39;s manipulation, to change the video data generated by the video processing device. The video processing device includes a replaceable program memory, first data receiving circuitry, a central processing unit, first data sending circuitry and a video signal generation circuitry. The operation controlling device may include various operation controlling buttons, switches, an operation member, rotor bodies, rotation detection mechanisms, counting circuitry, reset signal generation circuitry, second receiving circuitry, transfer circuitry and second sending circuitry. Advantageously, the operation controlling mechanism may be utilized to permit user control of a displayed object via said operation member and at the same time independently control movement of another displayed object via control switches protruding from the operation controlling mechanism housing.

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/719,019, filed Sep. 24,1996.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an operation controlling device. Morespecifically, this invention relates to an operation controlling device(such as a video game controller having a joystick) with expandablefunctions which is able to send and receive diverse kinds of data to andfrom a video processing device such as a personal computer or video gamedevice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior art joysticks mechanisms detect how much an operation member istilted and in which direction. The condition of the operation memberfree standing in the center, when not being touched by an operator'shand serves as the point of origin.

Such prior art devices have fixed conditions of use for the operationmembers because their points of origin are fixed. Because of this, thepoint of origin can not be freely determined by the user.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an operationcontrolling device is described with which errors due to mass productioncan be easily corrected, and the point of origin can be freelydetermined by the user.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the operationcontrolling device is coupled to a video display generating device forgenerating video data to be displayed on a display unit under thecontrol of a stored program. The operation controlling device suppliessignals, in response to an operator's manipulations, to change the videodata generated by the video processing device. The exemplary embodimentoperation controlling device is equipped with a movable operationmember, rotor bodies, rotation detection mechanisms, counting circuitry,reset signal generation circuitry and data transfer circuitry. Theoperation controlling device also may include a connector port forinterconnecting an expansion device such as a memory card to the videoprocessing system.

The operation member is manipulated and tilted by the operator within adesired range, and is supported so that it stops at a desired positionwhen not being manipulated by the operator. The rotor bodies rotateaccording to the operation member tilt amount. The rotation detectionmechanisms detect the rotated condition of the rotor bodies. Thecounting circuitry count values change according to the rotation amountsof the rotor bodies detected by the rotation detection mechanisms. Thereset signal generation circuitry generates reset signals to reset thecount values. The transfer circuitry transfers the count valuesgenerated by the counting circuitry to the video processing device.

The present invention is also directed to a video processing systemincluding a video processing device which generates a sequence of videodisplay frames on a display unit under the control of a stored program,and a unique operation controlling device which is connected to thevideo processing device and which supplies signals in response to anoperator's manipulation, to change the video data generated by the videoprocessing device. The video processing device includes a replaceableprogram memory, first data receiving circuitry, a central processingunit, first data sending circuitry and a video signal generationcircuitry. The operation controlling device is preferably the uniquecontroller described in detail herein and may include various operationcontrolling buttons, switches, an operation member, rotor bodies,rotation detection mechanisms, counting circuitry, reset signalgeneration circuitry, second receiving circuitry, transfer circuitry andsecond sending circuitry.

Many unique modes of video game operation and special videographiceffects are possible with the operation controlling mechanism and videoprocessing system described herein. For example, the operationcontrolling mechanism may be advantageously utilized to permit usercontrol of a displayed object via said operation member and at the sametime independently control movement of another displayed object viacontrol switches protruding from the operation controlling mechanismhousing.

The replaceable program memory stores the video processing program. Theprocessing device's first data receiving circuitry receives datagenerated by the operation controlling device. The central processingunit generates command data according to the program stored in programmemory and generates video data according to the data received by thefirst receiving circuitry. The first data sending circuitry sendscommand data generated by the central processing unit to the operationcontrolling device. The video signal generation circuitry generates thevideo signals for displaying the video display frame images on thedisplay unit according to the video data from the central processingunit.

The operation member is manipulated and tilted by the operator within adesired range, and is supported so that it stops at a desired positionwhen not being manipulated by the operator. The rotor bodies rotateaccording to the tilt amount of the operation member. The rotationdetection circuitry detects the rotated condition of the rotor bodies.Counting circuitry count values change according to the rotation amountof the rotor bodies detected by the rotation detection circuitry. Resetsignal generation circuitry generates reset signals to reset the countvalues of the counting circuitry. The operation controlling device'ssecond receiving circuitry receives command data transmitted from theprocessing device's first sending circuitry. Transfer circuitry outputscount value data which have been counted by the counting circuitry inresponse to command data received by the operation controlling device'ssecond receiving circuitry. The second sending circuitry transmits thecount value data output by the transfer circuitry to the videoprocessing device. The video processing device then generates videosignals to display the video image which has been changed according tothose count values.

Many advantages flow from the origin resetting and other unique aspectsof the present invention. As described in detail herein, unique videogames effects and modes of operations are advantageously implemented.For example, with respect to the origin resetting feature, since theorigin can be freely determined in all directions by the user, thedevice is readily adaptable and easy to operate according to theindividual operator's preference. Since the operator cannot determinethe origin except by simultaneously depressing several buttons,erroneous operator initiated origin changes are significantlydiminished.

When the origin is set outside the center of the operation member, afterthe operation member is tilted by the operator, the operation memberreturns to a position outside the origin when the operator's hand isremoved. Because of this, if the origin is reset so that the positionwhen the operator's hand is removed is at a desired coordinate position,a displayed object can be positioned so that it easily returns to thedesired coordinate position even after the operation member has beenmoved in a complex fashion. For example, if the operation member isreset while it is tilted to the right, the operation member can be movedto coordinates far to the left without having to traverse a lengthy setof rightward coordinates to display an object at a desired rightwardposition. This feature may be advantageously employed, for example, invarious video games to rapidly displace a weapon sight to a predictedenemy position.

The origin also can be determined according to commands from the videoprocessing device. Consequently, it is possible to determine the originfrom outside the operation device at any desired time during programexecution.

The aforementioned operational description and other purposes,characteristics and advantages of this invention will become evenclearer from a detailed explanation of an exemplary implementation inconjunction with the attached FIGURES.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external view of an exemplary video processing system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the video processing device 10 andcontrollers; FIG. 3 is an exemplary memory map of the CPU 11 addressspace showing the external memory and W-RAM 14;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the controller control circuit 17 of FIG.2;

FIG. 5 is a memory map of the RAM device 174;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the controller 40 seen from above;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the controller 40 seen from below;

FIG. 8 is an internal structural drawing of the joystick 45;

FIG. 9 is a detailed block diagram of the controller 40 and theexpansion device 50;

FIG. 10 is a data table for the controller joystick 45 and buttons 403through 407;

FIG. 11 is a detailed block diagram of the controller 40 and anotherexemplary expansion device 60;

FIG. 12 is an operational flowchart for the CPU 11;

FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart for the bus control processing circuit12;

FIG. 14 is an operation flowchart for the FIG. 4 controller controlcircuit 17;

FIG. 15 is an operation flowchart for the controller 44 circuit;

FIG. 16 is a table showing the data sent to and from the control circuit442 when command 0 has been sent from the controller control circuit 17;

FIG. 17 is a table showing the data sent to and from the control circuit442 when command 1 has been sent from the controller control circuit 17;

FIG. 18 is a table showing the data sent to and from the control circuit443 when command 2 has been sent from the controller control circuit;

FIG. 19 is a table showing the data sent to and from the control circuit442 when command 3 has been sent from the controller control circuit 17;

FIG. 20 is a table showing the data sent to and from the control circuit443 when command 255 has been sent from the controller control circuit17;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for the operation to reset the X counter 444X andY counter 444Y by button operation;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for the operation to reset the X counter 444X andY counter 444Y when the power is turned ON;

FIGS. 23A and B depicts the physical coordinates of the operation member451 and the display screen for display 30; and

FIG. 24A and B represent the physical coordinates of the operationmember 451 and the display screen for display 30 when the operationmember 451 is reset to a new origin position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary system implementation of a video processingdevice 10 and controller 40 in accordance with the present invention. Anillustrative video processing device 10 and system for use with theparticular controllers described herein is the Nintendo 64 which isdisclosed in copending application Ser. No. 08/562,288 entitled "HighPerformance/Low Cost Video Game System With Multi-functional PeripheralProcessing Subsystem", which application is incorporated herein byreference. The video processing device 10 has a connector situated inits top, into which a cartridge 20 is inserted. The cartridge houses aprinted circuit board which can be electrically connected with the videoprocessing device 10 by being connected to the FIG. 2 cartridgeconnector 13 to permit the cartridge to transmit and receive data. Anexternal ROM device, which stores data and programs, etc., and, ifdesired, a read/write memory device, such as a RAM, are mounted on thisboard to store program instructions and data processed by the videoprocessing device 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, controller connectors 181-184 are situated on thefront surface of the video processing device 10 for connecting up tofour controllers 40. By coupling a controller 40 to a controllerconnector 181-184, the video processing device 10 is electricallyconnected with the controller 40, making it possible to send and receivedata to and from the controller 40. The controller 40 is coupled by acable 42 to a connection jack 41 for the purpose of connecting tocontroller connector 181-184 situated in the video processing device 10.The controller 40 is shaped so that it can be grasped by one or bothhands, and includes a vertically upright operation member and variouscontrol and data entry buttons, which are described below, and whichgenerate electrical signals by being pressed.

Referring to the FIG. 2 exemplary block schematic, the video processingdevice 10 and cartridge 20 are, in use, coupled to display unit 30(television receiver or CRT, etc.) as shown in FIG. 1. The cartridge 20,display unit 30 and controllers 40 are connected to the chassis of thevideo processing device 10. The cartridge 20 is connected to thecartridge connector 13, for connecting the external ROM and read/writememory inside the cartridge 20 to a bus control processing circuit 12via an address bus and a data bus, enabling the exchange of data. Thevideo processing device 10 includes a CPU 11 for controlling videoprocessing according to a program which is stored in the external memorybuilt into the cartridge 20 which is inserted into video processingdevice 10. The CPU 11 may, for example, be a RISC microprocessor such asthe MIPS 4300 RISC microprocessor. An exemplary CPU 11 memory map showsan external memory in FIG. 3 which includes a video data area 201, inwhich video data required for the video processing device 10 to generatethe video signals are stored, and a program data area 202, in which theprogram data required for the CPU 11 to perform the desired operationsare stored. The CPU address space also includes a control pad data area141 embodied within a work RAM address area which may be part of a mainmemory address space. In addition, various bus control processingcircuit 12 registers, controller control circuit 17 memory devices,etc., are mapped into the main processor address space.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a bus controlprocessing circuit 12 also is connected to CPU 11. The bus controlprocessing circuit 12 is connected by a parallel bus to the cartridgeconnector 13, W-RAM 14, a music signal generation circuit 15 and a videosignal generation circuit 16, and is connected by a serial link to acontroller control circuit 17. The bus control processing circuit 12inputs commands output as parallel signals from the CPU 11 via the bus,performs parallel/serial conversion, outputs commands as serial signalsto the controller control circuit 17, and converts the serial signaldata input from the controller control circuit 17 into parallel signalsand outputs such signals to the bus. As described in the aboveidentified incorporated application, the bus control processing circuit(coprocessor 200 therein) may perform a wide range of graphicsprocessing functions in addition to the controller related and otherprocessing functions described herein. The bus control processing unitis a coprocessor which cooperates with CPU 11 to execute the videogame/videographics program stored in the removable memory media. Thecontroller 40 data which has been output to the bus control processingunit is appropriately processed, e.g., by the CPU 11, or is stored inWRAM 14. Videographics processing within video processing device 10 maytake place in accordance with above identified copending applicationSer. No. 08/562,288, which has been incorporated herein by reference.

The W-RAM device 14 is the memory for temporarily storing data forprocessing by CPU 11, and is connected with the bus control processingcircuit 12 via an address bus and a data bus, making it possible fordata to be read and written via the bus control processing circuit. Anexemplary memory map of the W-RAM 14 is shown in FIG. 3 as including acontrol pad data area. The W-RAM 14 may be part of the CPU 11 mainmemory which may be of the type shown in the above-identified copendingapplication Ser. No. 08/562,288.

The music signal generation device 15 is a circuit which generates amusic signal according to commands from the CPU 11 via the bus controlprocessing circuit 12. The video signal generation device 16 is acircuit which generates a video signal according to commands from theCPU 11 via the bus control processing circuit 12.

The controller control circuit 17 sends and receives serial data to andfrom the bus control processing circuit 12 and the controller connectors181-184. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary controller control circuit 17 whichincludes a data transfer control circuit 171. Data transfer controlcircuit 171 includes a parallel/serial converter circuit and aserial/parallel converter circuit for receiving serial data from the buscontrol processing circuit 12 via the serial/parallel converter circuit.In addition, data transfer control circuit 171 is connected to a sendcircuit 172, receive circuit 173 and the RAM 174 via an internal bus.The data transfer control circuit 171 is able to send and receive dataas a parallel signal over the internal bus. Consequently, the datatransfer control circuit 171 is able, based on commands from the buscontrol processing circuit 12, to read the data in RAM 174 and send itto the bus control processing circuit 12, and to receive data from thebus control processing circuit 12 and write it to RAM 174 as explainedin detail in copending application Ser. No. 08/562,288.

The send circuit 172 converts the parallel signals from the internal businto serial signals and couples such signals to a selected channelCH1-CH4, which are connected to respective controller connectors181-184, enabling serial signals to be sent to a respective controller40.

The receive circuit 173 receives a serial signal from a controller 40and outputs the received data as a parallel signal to the internal bus.The signal wires CH1-CH4 are each connected to respective controllerconnectors 181-184, enabling them to receive serial data from therespective controller 40 to which they are connected.

The RAM 174 is connected to the data transfer control circuit 171 viathe bus, enabling it to input and output parallel data. The data storedin RAM 174 is structured as explained in the FIG. 5 illustrative memorymap. The channel 1 commands are stored in area 1741. The channel 1 senddata and receive data are stored in area 1742. The channel 2 commandsare stored in area 1743. The channel 2 send data and receive data arestored in area 1744. The channel 3 commands are stored in area 1745. Thechannel 3 send data and receive data are stored in area 1746. Thechannel 4 commands are stored in area 1747. The channel 4 send data andreceive data are stored in area 1748.

Although FIG. 5 depicts four channels, there may be, for example, sixchannels available in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment.Each Channel's send (transmit) data and receive data byte sizes are allindependently assignable by setting size parameters. In the exemplaryembodiment, all channels size parameter setups are required, whetherthey are used or not. As shown in FIG. 5, RAM 174 is used for eachchannel's TxData/RxData assignment. TxData/RxData assignment becomeseffective when main processor 11 sets a format flag by using a write toRAM 174 related command.

In the exemplary embodiment, if processor 11 writes "0x00", "0xFD","0xFE" or "0xFF" as TxData Size, the data is not recognized as TxDatasize but has a special function as indicated below. They becomeeffective when processor 11 sets a format bit by using a write to RAM174 related command.

"0x00"=Channel Skip

If 0x00 is written as TxData Size, respective controller 40 Channeltransaction is not executed.

"0xFD"=Channel Reset

If 0xFD is written as TxData Size, controller control circuit 17 outputsreset signal to respective controller 40 Channel.

"0xFE"=Format End

If 0xFE is written as TxData Size, TxData/RxData assignment, the TxDataSize or RxData Size after "0xFE" is ignored.

"0xFF"=Dummy Data

TxData Size's 0xFF is used as the dummy data for word aligning the dataarea.

Each Channel has four flags. Two of them have information from processor11 to controller 40 Channel and others from controller 40 Channel toprocessor 11.

Skip=Channel Skip

If processor 11 sets this flag to "1", respective controller 40

Channel transaction is not executed. This flag becomes effective withoutformal flag.

Res=Channel Reset

If CPU 11 set this flag to "1", controller control circuit 17 outputsreset signal to respective controller 40 Channel. This flag becomeseffective without format flag.

NR=No Response to JoyChannel

When each controller 40 Channel's peripheral device does not respond,the respective NR bit is set to "1". This is the way to detect thenumber of currently connected peripheral devices.

Er=JoyChannel Error

When communication error has occurred between controller control circuit17 and controller 40, Err flag is set to "1."

The data transfer control circuit 171 sends the desired command from thesend circuit 172 and causes the receive circuit 173 to store receiveddata in RAM 174. An exemplary implementation of the FIG. 4 controllercontrol circuit 17 is described in further detail in the aboveidentified incorporated application Ser. No. 08/562,288 (the peripheralinterface or PIF therein).

The controller connectors 181-184 are connected by serial lines to thevarious controller control circuit 17 channel I/O lines, and are shapedso as to link with the connection jack 41 on each controller 40. When acontroller connector 181-184 is connected with a controller 40connection jack 41, it is electrically connected with the controller 40so that data can be exchanged.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are external oblique-view drawings of a controller 40. Thetop housing of the controller 40 comprises an operation area in which ajoystick 45 and buttons 403, 404A-F and 405 are situated adjacent 3grips 402L, 402C and 402R. The bottom housing of the controller 40comprises an operation area in which a button 407 is situated, 3 grips402L, 402C and 402R and an expansion device mount 409. In addition,buttons 406L and 406R are situated at the boundary between the tophousing and bottom housing of the controller 40. Furthermore, anelectrical circuit, to be described below, is mounted inside the top andbottom housings. The electrical circuit is electrically connected to thevideo processing device 10 by cable 42 and connection jack 41. Button403 may, for example, be a cross switch-type directional switchconsisting of an up button, down button, left button and right button,which may be used to control the displayed position of a displayedmoving object such as the well known Mario character. Buttons 404consist of button 404A, button 404B, button 404C, button 404D, button404E and button 404F, and can be used, for example, in a video game tofire missiles or for a multitude of other functions depending upon thegame program. Button 405 is a start button and is used primarily whenstarting a desired program. As shown in FIG. 7, button 406L is situatedso that it can be easily operated by the index finger of the left hand,and button 406R is situated so that it can be easily operated by theindex finger of the right hand. Button 407 is situated on the bottomhousing so that it cannot be seen by the operator. In addition, grip402L is formed so that it is grasped by the left hand and grip 402R isformed so that it is grasped by the right hand. Grip 402C is situatedfor use when grip 402L and/or, grip 402R are not in use. The expansiondevice mount 409 is a cavity for connecting an expansion device to thejoy port connector 46.

The internal construction of the controller 40 joystick 45 is shown inFIG. 8. The tip of the operation member 451 protruding from the housingis formed into a disk which is easily manipulated by placing one'sfinger on it. The part below the disk of the operation member 451 isrodshaped and stands vertically when it is not being manipulated. Inaddition, a support point 452 is situated on the operation member 451.This support point 452 securely supports the operation member on thecontroller 40 housing so that it can be tilted in all directionsrelative to a plane. An X-axis linkage member 455 rotates centeredaround an X shaft 456 coupled with tilting of the operation member 451in the X-direction. The X shaft 456 is axially supported by a bearing(not shown). A Y-axis linkage member 465 rotates centered around a Yshaft 466 coupled with tilting of the operation member 451 in theY-direction. The Y shaft 466 is axially supported by a bearing (notshown). Additionally, force is exerted on the operation member 451 by areturn member, such as a spring (not shown), so that it normally standsupright. Now, the operation member 451, support 452, X-axis linkagemember 455, X shaft 456, Y-axis linkage member 465 and Y shaft 466 arealso described in Japan Utility Patent Early Disclosure (Kokai) No. HEI2-68404.

A disk member 457 is attached to the X shaft 456 which rotates accordingto the rotation of the X shaft 456. The disk member 457 has severalslits 458 around the perimeter of its side at a constant distance fromthe center. These slits 458 are holes which penetrate the disk member457 and make it possible for light to pass through. A photo-interrupter459 is mounted to the controller 40 housing around a portion of the edgeof the perimeter of the disk member 457, which photo-interrupter 459detects the slits 458 and outputs a detection signal. This enables therotated condition of the disk member 457 to be detected. A descriptionof the Y shaft 466, disk member 467 and slits 468 are omitted since theyare the same as the X shaft 456, disk member 457 and slits 458 describedabove.

The technique of detecting the rotation of the disc members 457 and 467using light, which was described above, is disclosed in detail in JapanPatent Application Publication No. HEI 6-114683, filed by applicants'assignee in this matter, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In this exemplary implementation, disk member 457 is directly mounted onthe X-axis linkage, member 455, but a gear could be attached to the Xshaft 456 and the disc member 457 rotated by this gear. In such a case,it is possible to cause the disc member 457 to greatly rotate by theoperator slightly tilting the operation member 451 by setting the gearratio so that rotation of the disc member 457 is greater than rotationof the X shaft 456. This would make possible more accurate detection ofthe tilted condition of the operation member 451 since more of the slits458 could be detected. For further details of the controller 40 joysticklinkage elements, slit disks, optical sensors and other elements,reference is made to Japanese Application No. H7-317230 filed Nov. 10,1995, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, a method for detecting therotation of the disc members 457 and 467 is disclosed which detects theslits 458 and 468 using photo-interrupters 459 and 469, but any methodcould be used as long as it detects rotation of the disc members 457 and467. For example, a method of detecting the disk members 457 and 467rotation could be used in which several conductor members are situatedon the disc members 457 and 467 and these conductor members are thenelectrically detected.

Controller 40 which is connected to the FIG. 2 connector 181 isdescribed using the detailed FIG. 9 block diagram. The remainingcontrollers 40 which are connected to the aforementioned controllerconnectors 182-184 are identical to controller 40 which is connected tocontroller connector 181. The FIG. 2 connection jack 41 is connected tothe controller connector 181-184 so that data which has been transmittedfrom the video processing device 10 is output to a conversion circuit43.

The conversion circuit 43 sends and receives data to and from thecontroller control circuit 17 in the video processing device 10 as aserial signal via cable 42. The conversion circuit 43 sends serial datareceived from the controller control circuit 17 as a serial signal toreceiving circuit 441 inside the controller circuit 44. It also receivesa serial signal from the send circuit 445 inside the controller circuit44 and then outputs this signal as a serial signal to the controllercontrol circuit 17 via cable 42.

The send circuit 445 converts the parallel signal which is output fromthe control circuit 442 into a serial signal and outputs the signal toconversion circuit 43. The receive circuit 441 converts the serialsignal which has been output from converter circuit 43 into a parallelsignal and outputs it to control circuit 442.

The send circuit 445, receive circuit 441, joy port control circuit 446,switch signal detection circuit 443 and counter 444 are connected to thecontrol circuit 442. A parallel signal from receive circuit 441 is inputto control circuit 442, whereby it receives the data/command informationwhich has been output from video processing device 10. The controlcircuit 442 performs the desired operation based on such received data.The control circuit 442 instructs the switch signal detection circuit443 to detect switch signals, and receives data from the switch signaldetection circuit 443 which indicates which of the buttons have beenpressed. The control circuit 442 also instructs the counter 444 tooutput its data and receives data from the X counter 444X and the Ycounter 444Y. The control circuit 442 is connected by an address bus anda data bus to an expansion port control circuit 446. By outputtingcommand data to port control circuit 446, control circuit 442 is able tocontrol expansion device 50, and is able to receive expansion deviceoutput data.

The switch signals from buttons 403-407 are input to the switch signaldetection circuit 443, which detects that several desired buttons havebeen simultaneously pressed and sends a reset signal to the resetcircuit 448. The switch signal detection circuit 443 also outputs aswitch signal to the control circuit 442 and sends a reset signal to thereset circuit 448.

The counter circuit 444 contains two counters. X counter 444X counts thedetection pulse signals output from the X-axis photo-interrupter 469inside the joystick mechanism 45. This makes it possible to detect howmuch the operation member 451 is tilted along the X-axis. The Y counter444Y counts the pulse signals output from the Y-axis photo-interrupter459 inside the joysticks mechanism 45. This makes it possible to detecthow much the operation member 451 is tilted along the Y-axis. Thecounter circuit 444 outputs the count values counted by the X counter444X and the Y counter 444Y to the control circuit 442 according toinstructions from the control circuit 442. Thus, not only is informationgenerated for determining 360° directional movement with respect to apoint of origin but also the amount of operation member tilt. Asexplained below, this information can be advantageously used to controlboth the direction of an object's movement, and also, for example, therate of movement.

Buttons 403-407 generate electrical signals when the key tops, whichprotrude outside the controller 40 are pressed by the user. In theexemplary implementation, the voltage changes from high to low when akey is pressed. This voltage change is detected by the switch signaldetection circuit 443.

The controller 40 generated data is explained using FIG. 10. The datagenerated by the controller 40 consists of the following four bytes,where the various data bits are represented as either "0" or "1": B, A,G, START, up, down, left, right (byte 1); JSRST, 0 (not used in theexemplary implementation in this application), L, R, E, D, C, F (byte2); an X coordinate (byte 3) and a Y coordinate (byte 4). E correspondsto the button 404B and becomes 1 when button 404B is pressed, 0 when itis not being pressed. Similarly, A corresponds to button 404A, G withbutton 407, START with button 405, up, down, left and right with button403, L with button 406L, R with button 406R, E with button 404E, D withbutton 404D, C with button 404C and F with button 404F. JSRST becomes 1when 405, button 406L and button 406R are simultaneously pressed by theoperator and is 0 when they are not being pressed. The X coordinate andY coordinate are the count value data of the X counter 444X and Ycounter 444Y, respectively.

The expansion port control circuit 446 is connected to the controlcircuit 442 and via an address, control and data bus to expansion device50 via a port connector 46. Thus, by connecting the control circuit 442and expansion device 50 via an address bus and a data bus, it ispossible to control the expansion device 50 according to commands fromthe main CPU 11 in the video processing device 10.

The exemplary expansion device 50, shown in FIG. 9, is a back-up memorycard 50. Memory card 50 may, for example, include a RAM device 51, onwhich data can be written to and read from desired indicated addressesappearing on an address bus and a battery 52 which supplies the back-uppower necessary to store data in the RAM device 51. By connecting thisback-up memory card 50 to expansion joy port) connector 46 in thecontroller 40, it becomes possible to send data to and from RAM 51 sinceit is electrically connected with the joy port control circuit 446.

The memory card 51 and game controller connector 46 provide the gamecontroller and the overall video game system with enhanced flexibilityand function expandability. For example, the game controller, with itsmemory card, may be transported to another player's video game systemconsole. The memory card may store and thereby save data relating toindividual achievement by a player and individual, statisticalinformation may be maintained during game play in light of such data.For example, if two players are playing a racing game, each player maystore his or her own best lap times. The game program may be designed tocause video processing device 10 to compile such best lap timeinformation and generate displays indicating both statistics as toperformance versus the other player and a comparison with the best priorlap time stored on the memory card. Such individualized statistics maybe utilized in any competitive game where a player plays against thevideo game system computer and/or against opponents. For example, withthe memory card, it is contemplated that in conjunction with variousgames, individual statistics relating to a professional team will bestored and utilized when playing an opponent who has stored statisticsbased on another professional team such as a baseball or football team.Thus, RAM 51 may be utilized for a wide range of applications includingsaving personalized game play data, or storing customized statisticaldata, e.g., of a particular professional or college team, used duringgame play.

Another exemplary expansion device 50 implementation is a liquid crystaldisplay device 60 as shown in FIG. 10. This expansion device (liquidcrystal display device) 60 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 62and a liquid crystal display control circuit (LCD controller) 61.

By connecting the liquid crystal display device 60 to the controller 40and joy port connector 46, it becomes possible for the liquid crystaldisplay control circuit 61 to be electrically connected with, and tosend and receive data to and from, the joy port control circuit 446. Theliquid crystal display control circuit 61 outputs a video signal to theliquid crystal display based on data output from the joy port controlcircuit 446. The liquid crystal display 63 displays a video image basedon the video signal output from the liquid crystal display controlcircuit 61.

A back-up memory card 50 and a liquid crystal display device 60 havebeen shown as examples of a controller 40 expansion device. Theinvention of this application is not restricted to these examples orimplementations and any device may be utilized which operates by sendingand/or receiving data.

Next, the sending and receiving of data between the video processingdevice 10 and the controller 40 is explained beginning with the FIG. 12flowchart for CPU 11 in the video processing device 10. At step 111, CPU11 is initialized based on default values (not shown) stored in theprogram data area 202 in FIG. 3. Next, at step 112, CPU 11 outputs acontrol pad data request command stored in the program data area 202 tothe bus control processing circuit 12. Next, at step 113, CPU 11performs the desired video processing based on the program stored in theprogram data area 202 and the video data area 201 in FIG. 3. Inaddition, while CPU 11 is executing step 113, the bus control processingcircuit 12 is executing steps 121 through 124 (in FIG. 13). Next, atstep 114, the CPU 11 outputs video data based on the controller datawhich is stored in the control pad data area 141 in FIG. 3. After step114 is completed, the CPU 11 repeatedly executes step 112 through step114.

The operation of the bus control processing circuit 13 is explained inconjunction with the FIG. 13 flowchart. At step 121, the bus controlprocessing circuit 12 determines whether or not CPU 11 has output acontroller data request command (a request command for switch data fromthe controller 40 or expansion device 50 data). If a controller datarequest command has not been output, the processing circuit 12 waitsuntil one is output. If a controller data request command has beenoutput, the processing circuit 12 moves on to step 122 where it outputsa command to load controller 40 data to the controller control circuit17 (command 1 or command 2 shown below). Next, at step 123, the buscontrol processing circuit 12 determines whether or not the controllercontrol circuit has received data from the controller 40 and stored suchdata in RAM 174. If the controller control circuit 17 has not receiveddata from the controller 40 and stored the data in RAM 174, the buscontrol circuit 12 waits as shown at step 123. If controller controlcircuit 17 has received data from controller 40 and stored such data inRAM 174, the bus control circuit 12 moves on to step 124. At step 124,the bus control circuit 12 transfers controller 40 data stored in thecontroller control circuit 17 RAM 174 to the W-RAM device 14. When thebus control processing circuit 12 finishes transferring data to W-RAM14, it returns to step 121 and repeats the operations in step 121through 124.

An example has been shown in the flowcharts in FIG. 13 in which, afterthe bus control circuit 12 has transferred the data from RAM 174 intoW-RAM 14, the CPU 11 processes the data which have been stored in W-RAM14, but the CPU 11 may also directly process the data in RAM 174 via thebus control circuit 12.

Next, the data transmission operations are explained, referring to theFIG. 14 operation flowchart for controller control circuit 17. At step171, it is determined whether or not there is a WRITE WAIT from the buscontrol processing circuit 12. If there is not a WRITE WAIT from the buscontrol circuit 12, the data transfer control circuit 171 waits untilthere is a WRITE WAIT from the bus control circuit 12. If there is aWRITE WAIT from the bus control circuit 12, as indicated at step 172,the data transfer control circuit 171 stores the command and/or data forchannels 1-4 in RAM 174.

At step 173, the command and/or data for the first channel is sent tocontroller 40 which is connected to connector 181. The control circuit442 in controller 40 performs the desired operation based on thiscommand and/or data and outputs the data which is to be sent to thevideo processing device 10. The content of this data is explained indetail below in the control circuit 442 operation explanation. Next, atstep 174, the data transfer control circuit 171 receives data which hasbeen output from control circuit 442 and stores the data in RAM 174.

At step 175, the command and/or data for the second channel is sent tothe controller 40 connected to connector 182. The control circuit 442 incontroller 40 performs the desired operation based on this commandand/or data and outputs the data which is to be sent to the videoprocessing device 10. Data is then stored at step 176 as previouslydescribed in conjunction with step 174.

At step 177, the command and/or data for the third channel is sent tothe controller 40 connected to connector 183. The control circuit 443 incontroller 40 performs the desired operation based on this commandand/or data and outputs the data which is to be sent to the videoprocessing device 10. Data is then stored at step 178 as previouslydescribed in conjunction with step 174.

At step 179, the command and/or data for the fourth channel is sent tothe controller 40 connected to connector 184. The control circuit 442 incontroller 40 performs the desired operation based on this commandand/or data and outputs the data which is to be sent to the videoprocessing device 10. Thereafter, data is stored at step 180 aspreviously described in conjunction with step 174.

At step 181, the data transfer control circuit 171 compiles the datareceived at steps 174, 176, 178 and 180 and transfers the data to thebus control processing circuit.

The peripheral device channel is designed to accept various types offuture peripheral devices. The present exemplary embodiment uses anextensible command which is to be interpreted by peripherals includingfuture devices. As shown in FIG. 5, the commands occupy the first byteof a TxData area in RAM 174. Many bits and commands are reserved forfuture extension. Exemplary commands relating to peripheral devices areshown below and in FIGS. 16 through 21. Commands are provided asexplained below for read and writing data to a memory card. Backup datafor a game may be stored on a memory card. In this fashion, no backupbattery need be used for this memory during game play since it plugsinto the controller. Certain of these commands contemplate an expansionmemory card module. Exemplary controller commands shown in FIGS. 16through 20 are explained below and in conjunction with the FIG. 15controller 40 controller circuit 44 flowchart.

Command 0: Ask each peripheral device's type and status flag

TxSize: 1 byte RxSize: 3 byte

As shown in FIG. 16, this command is used to ask the peripheral device'stype and status flags, and its answer is supposed to be returned into RXdata area.

Peripheral Device's Type

This type is provided from the connected peripheral device about itsfunctions and features as shown for example below.

    __________________________________________________________________________    b7     b6   b5   b4   b3   b2   bl   b0                                       __________________________________________________________________________    H Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                 L Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                                                           With Reserved                                                                           Joystick ABS Count,                                                 JoyPort   Standard                                 __________________________________________________________________________

L b0: In the case of the standard controllers, they would send a "1"response which indicates that controllers contain counters and send thejoystick data as the absolute value.

L b2: In the case of the standard controllers, they would send a "1"response which indicates that controllers have the port (JoyPort) whichconnects to the exchangeable memory card shown in FIG. 7.

Status (Flags)

The status data may, for example, be comprised of status flags which arethe response from the connected peripheral device about its status. Inthe case of standard controllers, these flags are used for memory card.

    __________________________________________________________________________    b7   b6   b5   b4   b3   b2       b1   b0                                     __________________________________________________________________________    Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                                                           Reserved                                                                           ADDR. CRC report                                                                       Card Xchg                                                                          Card ON                                __________________________________________________________________________

b0: If a memory card is connected to the controller 40, this flag is setto "1" If not, this flag is set to "0".

b1: After a controller is plugged in, if a memory card is pulled out,this flag is set to "1". This flag is reset to "0" when controllerplugged and power supplied, or command 0 or 255 (controller softwarereset command) issued with the memory card connected. If controller isplugged in and power supplied without a memory card, this flag isindefinite.

b2: AddrCRC (cyclic redundancy code) report is sent from the controllerin communicating with JoyPort. This flag status "1" means that AddressH/L are not transferred to the controller correctly. This flag is resetto "0", when peripheral device plugged in and power is supplied orcommand 0 or 255 is issued.

Command 1: Access Referenced Controller Data

TxSize: 1 byte RxSize: 4 byte

As shown in FIG. 17, Command 1 is used for getting controller's buttoncondition and joystick condition. Joystick's counter is reset to "0x00"when controller is plugged in and power is supplied, command 0 or 255issued, JoyChannel reset issued or L, R, START buttons pushed at thesame time. JRRes bit shows that L, R, START buttons are pushed at thesame time.

The operational flowchart for the controller 40 controller circuit 44 isshown in FIG. 15. First, at step 402, it is determined whether or not acommand has been input from the video processing device 10 to thecontrol circuit 443. If a command has not been input, the controlcircuit 442 waits until a command is input. If a command has been input,it is determined at step 404 by, for example, decoding the received bitpattern whether or not the command is a status request command (command0). If it was not command 0, processing moves to step 408. If it wascommand 0, processing moves to step 406 and status send processing isperformed.

The data sent between the video processing device 10 and the controller40 when command 0 has been output by the CPU 11 is explained referringto FIG. 16, which shows exemplary status data. When the controller 40control circuit 442 receives the send controller type command 0 data,which consists of 1 byte (8 bits), TYPE L (1 byte), TYPE H (1 byte) andSTATUS are sent. TYPE L and TYPE H are used to indicate for whichfunction the apparatus connected to the expansion (joy port) connector46 is waiting, and are data which are stored in the expansion device 50.Thus, it is possible for the video processing device 10 to recognizewhat kind of expansion device 50 is connected to controller 40. STATUSdata may include a variety of status information including data whichshows whether an expansion device 50 is connected to the expansion portand whether an expansion device is connected after a reset.

At step 408, a check is made to determine whether or not the commandwhich was input was a pad data request command (command 1). If it wasnot command 1, processing moves to step 412. If is was command 1,processing moves to step 410 and pad data send processing is executed.

The data sent between the video processing device 10 and the controller40 when the access referenced controller for pad data has been output byCPU 11 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 17 which shows exemplarycommand 1 data. When the control circuit 442 of the controller 40receives command 1 data, which consists of 1 byte (8 bits), as anexample, the following information is sent: status and data (16 bits)comprising B, A, G, START, up, down, left, right, L, R, B, D, C, F andthe JSRST (1 bit) and data from counter 444X and counter 444Y (16 bits).Sending such data to video processing device 10 enables the videoprocessing device 10 to recognize how the controller 40 is beingmanipulated by the operator.

At step 412, it is determined whether the command which has been inputis an expansion connector read request command (command 2). If it wasnot command 2, processing moves to step 416. If it was command 2,processing moves to step 414 and expansion connector read processing isperformed.

The data sent between the video processing device 10 and controller 40when command 2 has been output by CPU 11 is explained referring to FIG.18, which shows such data. When the control circuit 442 of thecontroller 40 receives the READ RAM command 2 data, which consists of 1byte (8 bits), ADDRESS H (8 bits), which specifies the most significantbits of the address, ADDRESS L (3 bits), which specifies the leastsignificant bits of the address, and ADDRESS CRC (5 bits), which checksfor errors in the address data, data is sent to the video processingdevice 10 that is stored in the expansion device 50 (e.g., 32 bytes)based on the address data which has been received and CRC (8 bits),which is used to check for data errors. Thus, by connecting theexpansion device 50 to the video processing device 10, it is possiblefor the video processing device 10 to process data from the expansiondevice 50.

At step 416, it is determined whether or not the command which has beeninput was an expansion connector write request command (command 3). Ifit was not command 3, processing moves to step 420. If it was command 3,processing moves to step 418 and expansion connector read processing isperformed.

The data sent between the video processing device 10 and the controller40 when the WRITE RAM command 3 is output by the CPU 11 is explainedreferring to FIG. 19. When the controller 40 control circuit 442receives command 3 data, which consists of 1 byte (8 bits), thefollowing information is also received: ADDRESS H (8 bits), which arethe most significant address bits, ADDRESS L (3 bits), which are theleast significant address bits, ADDRESS CRC (5 bits), which is to checkfor errors in the address data being sent, and the data for storage inexpansion device 50 (32 bytes). A CRC (8 bits), which is used to checkfor data errors is sent to the video processing device 10. Thus, byconnecting the expansion device 50 with the video processing device 10,it is possible for the video processing device 10 to control theexpansion device 50. By thus connecting expansion device 50 to the videoprocessing device 10, it also becomes possible to vastly improve andexpand the functions of controller 40.

At step 420, it is determined whether or not the command which has beeninput is a reset command (command 255). If it was not command 255,processing branches back to step 402 where the routine is repeated. Ifit was command 255, processing moves to step 422 and joystick counterreset processing is performed.

The data sent between the video processing device 10 and the controller40 when command 255 is output by CPU 11 is explained in conjunction withFIG. 20. When controller 40 control circuit 442 receives command 255data, which consists of 1 byte (8 bits), a reset signal is generated andthe X counter 444X and the Y counter 444Y are reset. The controller 40then sends TYPE L (1 byte), TYPE H (1 byte) and STATUS information asdescribed above in conjunction with FIG. 16.

Resetting of the joystick 45 is explained in detail below. There are 3reset methods which determine the point of origin for the joystick45: 1) reset by operating the buttons; 2) reset by turning the powerON-OFF; and 3) reset by the video processing device 10.

1) Reset by button operation:

Resetting the counter 444, which stores the tilt condition data for thejoystick 45, is explained in conjunction with the FIG. 21 flowchart.First, at step 432, the switch signal detection circuit 443 detectswhether or not button 406L, button 406R and button 405 have beensimultaneously pressed. Thus, detection of a continuous switch signal iscontinuously performed even when the three buttons are not beingpressed. When the three buttons have been simultaneously pressed, areset signal is output.

When this reset signal is output at step 434, the count values in the Xcounter 444X and the Y counter 444Y are reset. Consequently, the originof the joystick is determined each time button 406L, button 406R andbutton 405 are simultaneously pressed.

In this exemplary implementation, the switch signal detection circuit443 generates a reset signal when button 406L, button 406R and button405 are simultaneously pressed but, it does not have to specifically bein response to these three buttons. For example, the buttons pressed bythe user are not limited to three but, for example, could be two or fourbuttons. In addition, the reset features could be tied to any other setof buttons not just the three buttons described above.

2. Reset by power ON-OFF:

Another method for resetting the counter 444 is explained referring tothe FIG. 22 flowchart. First, the POWER-ON reset circuit 447 outputs areset signal as power is supplied to controller 40 by the user turningthe video processing device 10 power switch ON when the controller 40 isconnected to the video processing device 10, or, if the controller 40 isnot connected to the video processing device 10, by the user pluggingthe connection jack of the controller 40 into a controller connector181-84 on the video processing device 10. At step 442, the count valuein the X counter 444X and the Y counter 444Y are reset by this resetsignal having been output. Consequently, the joystick origin isdetermined every time power is supplied to the controller 40.

3. Reset by video processing device 10:

A further method for resetting is described above in conjunction withstep 420 and step 422 of FIG. 15. This reset method makes it possible tofreely determine the joystick 46 origin under program control inaccordance with the game program being executed by video processingdevice 10.

The X counter 444X and the Y counter 444Y can be reset by the abovemethods. Outputting a reset signal when the operation member 451 isdisposed in the center (when the user is not manipulating it), enablesthe user to prevent erroneous count values from being sent to the videoprocessing device 10 when such erroneous count values have been storedin the X counter 444X and the Y counter 444Y.

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment a game programmer may codea game program to include the above described lower level commands by,for example, including system library function calls. In this fashion,routines may be accessed from the system library and executed by the CPU11 to result in the command generation described above. Examples of suchlibrary function calls are shown below together with a brief descriptionthereof.

NAME:

osContlnit--poll for and reset game controllers.

DESCRIPTION:

The osContlnit call resets all the game controllers and returns a bitpattern to indicate which game controllers are connected. It alsoreturns game controller's type and status back to status.

The game controller's type can be one of the following definedconstants:

    ______________________________________                                        CONT.sub.-- ABSOLUTE                                                                          The controller contains counters as                                           described herein and sends the                                                joystick data as the absolute                                                 value.                                                        CONT.sub.-- RELATIVE                                                                          The controller contains counters                                              inside and sends the joystick                                                 data as the relative value                                    CONT.sub.-- JOYPORT                                                                           The controller has joyport                                                    expansion port. The standard                                                  controllers have the joyport which                                            connects to exchangeable memory                                               card.                                                         ______________________________________                                    

The game controller's status are used for memory card and can be one ofthe following defined constants:

    ______________________________________                                        CONT.sub.-- CARD.sub.-- ON                                                                     This bit is set if memory card is                                             connected to the controller.                                 CONT.sub.-- CARD.sub.-- PULL                                                                   After controller is reset, if                                                 memory card is pulled out, this                                               bit will be set.                                             CONT.sub.-- ADDR.sub.-- CRC.sub.-- ER                                                          This bit is set if the address are                                            not transferred to joyport                                                    correctly                                                    ______________________________________                                    

The error number return from controllers can be:

    ______________________________________                                        CONT.sub.-- NO.sub.-- RESPONSE.sub.-- ERROR                                                        The controller doesn't                                                        response.                                                CONT.sub.-- OVERRUN.sub.-- ERROR                                                                   The controller sends data                                                     at higher data transfer                                                       rate than the hardware                                                        handling capability.                                     CONT.sub.-- FRAME.sub.-- ERROR                                                                     The controller sends data                                                     at longer-term bit than                                                       the specified length.                                    CONT.sub.-- COLLISION.sub.-- ERROR                                                                 The controller receives                                                       data during sending the                                                       data.                                                    ______________________________________                                    

NAME:

osContStartQuery, osContGetQuery--obtain game controller status andtype.

DESCRIPTION:

The osContStartQuery call issues a query command to game controllers toobtain game controller status back to status.

The game controller's type can be one of the defined constants shown inosContlnit.

The game controller's status are used for memory card and can be one ofthe defined constants shown in osConnit.

The error number return from game controllers can be as shown inosConnit.

NAME:

osContReset--reset all game controllers.

DESCRIPTION:

The osContReset call resets all game controllers and returns alljoystick back to neutral position. It also returns game controller'sstatus back to status.

NAME:

osContStartReadData, osContGetReadData--obtain game controller inputsettings.

DESCRIPTION:

The osContStartReadData call issues a read data command to obtain gamecontroller input settings, and the osContStartReadData call returnsjoystick data and button settings to pad.

The joystick data are signed char and in the range between 80 and -80.The game controller's input settings can be the following definedconstants:

    ______________________________________                                        CONT.sub.-- START    Button START                                             CONT.sub.-- A        Button A                                                 CONT.sub.-- B        Button B                                                 CONT.sub.-- C        Button C                                                 CONT.sub.-- D        Button D                                                 CONT.sub.-- E        Button E                                                 CONT.sub.-- F        Button F                                                 CONT.sub.-- UP       Button UP                                                CONT.sub.-- DOWN     Button DOWN                                              CONT.sub.-- LEFT     Button LEFT                                              CONT.sub.-- RIGHT    Button RIGHT                                             CONT.sub.-- G        Button G                                                 CONT.sub.-- L        Button L                                                 CONT.sub.-- R        Button R                                                 ______________________________________                                    

The error number return from game controllers can be as shown inosConInit.

NAME:

osContAddressCrc, osContDataCrc--compute CRC for game controlleraddress, data information.

DESCRIPTION:

The osContAddressCrc and osContDataCrc calculate the CRC values for thegame controller. The addr is a pointer to an 11-bit address buffer andthe data is a pointer to a 32-byte data buffer. The CRC generators are x4+x 2+1 and x 7+x 2+1 for osContAddressCrc and isContDataCrcrespectively, and the return values are 5-bit and 8-bit long.

EXAMPLES OF SCREEN EFFECTS

The use of the controller 40 (and the system described herein) permits awide range of unique screen effects to be generated. An initial examplein which the screen image is uniquely changed by the controller isexplained using FIGS. 23A, 23B, 24A and 24B. The drawing in FIG. 23Arepresents the amount of physical tilt of the operation member in acoordinate system. The circle drawn in the center represents theposition of the operation member 45 in the condition in which theoperator is not manipulating it (the operation member 451 is in a statestanding perpendicular to the housing). If the operation member 451 istilted upward, as seen by the operator, the circle moves in the +direction along the Y axis while, if the operation 451 is tilted todownward, the circle moves in the - direction along the Y axis.Likewise, if the operation member 451 is tiled to the right, as seen bythe operator, the circle moves in the + direction along the X axiswhile, if the operation member 451 is tiled to the left, the circlemoves in the - direction along the Y axis.

The drawing of FIG. 23B shows an exemplary video game display screen inwhich a sight is moved up, down, left and right by tilting the operationmember to the front, rear, left and right thereby aligning the sightwith the enemy 34. The cloud 31, mountains 32 and building 33 arechanging background images which scroll, etc., and the enemy 34 is anobject which moves around freely on the screen. For example, if theenemy 34 appears in the upper-right of the screen as illustrated, theoperator would tilt the operation member 451 to the right and to thefront. When this is done, controller 40, X counter 444X and its countvalues increases. The count value data are sent to the video processingdevice 10. The video processing device 10 uses such additional countvalue data to change the display position of the sight 35. As a result,the sight 35 and the enemy 34 become overlaid. If a button such asbutton 404A, etc., is pressed when they are thus overlaid, such switchdata also, like the aforementioned additional amount value data, aresent to the video processing device 10. As a result, the videoprocessing device 10 generates the video signal to display a missile(not shown), etc. on the screen and to display the enemy 34 being hit.

Next, an example in which the operation member 451 is moved (tilted)off-center and reset is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 24A and 24B.When the X counter 444X and Y counter 444Y have been reset at thecoordinate position shown by the solid circle in the drawing on the leftin FIG. 24, if the operator removes a hand from the operation member451, the operation member will return to the coordinate center position(the position shown by the dotted circle). The changes in the videodisplay under such circumstances are explained using the drawing FIG.24B. First, when X counter 444X and Y counter 444Y have been reset, thesight 35 is displayed in the position of the solid circle just as in theFIG. 23B drawing. This is because the count values of the X counter 444Xand Y counter 444Y are 0 which is the same count value as the initialvalues. Next, when the operator's hand is removed from the operationmember 451 and the operation member 451 returns to the center positionof the coordinates, the X counter 444X adds and its count valueincreases and the Y counter 444Y subtracts and its count valuedecreases. These count value data are sent to the video processingdevice 10. The video processing device uses such additional count valuedata to change the display position of the sight 35 (changing it to theposition of the dotted sight 35).

This kind of resetting would be performed, for example, when an operatorpredicts that the position at which the enemy 34 will appear is theposition of the dotted sight 35 in the drawing on the right in FIG. 24.In this case, an operator would like to align the sight 35 with theposition of the dotted sight the instant the enemy 34 appears. However,continuously holding the sight 35 at the position of the dotted sight 35is a hindrance to game play and there is the possibility that theoperator will be unable to respond if the enemy 34 appears from anunexpected place. Therefore, the reset function described above is usedto enable the operator to align the sight 35 to other locations. Morespecifically, first, using the solid sight 35 as a reference, theoperator tilts the operation member 451 so that the sight 35 isdisplayed in the intended position which is the position at which theenemy 34 is predicted to appear (the position of the dotted sight 35).At this time, the physical coordinates of the operation member 451 areat the position of the solid circle in the FIG. 24A drawing. At thistime, the operator simultaneously presses the three buttons 406L, 406Rand 405. When this is done, the X counter 444x and the Y counter 444Yare reset and the sight 35 is displayed in the position of the solidsight 35. Then, the operator freely moves the sight 35 and waits for theenemy 34 to appear. If the enemy 34 appears at the position of thedotted sight 35, the operator releases their hand from the operationmember 451. When this happens, the operation member 451 returns to thephysical coordinate position of the dotted circle in the FIG. 24Bdrawing. When the operator accurately aligns the sight 35 with the enemy34 and presses a switch, such as button 404A, etc., a missile (notshown), etc., is displayed on the screen and hits the enemy 34.

In addition, if reset is performed as described above, the operationmember 451 can be significantly moved to the lower right. For example,this is effective when the operator wants to move the operation member451 a long way towards the lower right.

Reset by button operation was used in the exemplary implementationdescribed above, but reset by power ON-OFF or reset by the videoprocessing device could also have been used.

It should be recognized, that, in accordance with the present inventionjoystick 45 may be employed in a multitude of different ways either inconjunction with directional switch 403 or as the fundamental objectmotion controlling mechanism utilizable by the player. Thus, not onlymay joystick 45 be advantageously utilized to move an object such assight 35 in the above example, but at the same time directional switch403 may also be utilized for controlling moving object motion.

Joystick 45 provides far more movement control information to a videoprocessing system than is available from a directional type switch suchas switch 403. While the character movement information that can begenerated by a cross-type switch 403 is limited, joystick mechanism 45allows an operator to define 360° of motion with respect to a givenpoint of origin. Not only may a given direction be defined by joystickmechanism 45 but also, for example, the rate of motion along thatdirection can be specified by detecting the amount of tilt in a givendirection.

The specific moving object control possibilities and the resultingscreen effects contemplated by the present invention through the use ofcontroller 40 are too numerous to delineate. By way of example only,directional switch 403 may be employed by a player to control anobject's movement like conventional video game controllers while, at thesame time, joystick mechanism 45 may be used by the player to manipulatea target flying around the screen. The target may, for example, becontrolled to fly anywhere on the screen, at any angle, at widelyvarying velocities. In the context of the driving game, the joystickmechanism may be utilized as a combination accelerator, brake andsteering mechanism. In such a game, the video processing device 10detects how far forward or backward the joystick mechanism ismanipulated, to determine how fast a displayed vehicle accelerates orbrakes. The amount the joystick 45 is displaced to the left or right canbe used, for example, to determine how sharply the vehicle will turn.

In a game of the applicants' assignees' Mario genre, the joystickmechanism 45 may be utilized to permit three-dimensional control over acharacter's movement. Such a video game, if designed for play on thesystem described in copending incorporated application Ser. No.08/562,288, depicts a three-dimensional world on the user's TV displayscreen. Joystick mechanism 45 gives a player 360° control over a Mariotype character's movement. Thus, as opposed to controlling motion with aconventional, directional switch pad 403 where motion is controllable tothe left, right, up or down (or along the four diagonals), directionalcontrol may be exercised in any of the 360° angular directions. Bydetecting, for example, the amount of joystick member tilt from the freestanding position, the game program controlled processor determinesbased upon the programmed association of the amount of tilt with rate ofmotion, whether Super Mario is walking slowly, walking quickly, jogging,running, etc. Accordingly, the joystick mechanism may be advantageouslyutilized as controlling dual functions by, for example, not onlydefining a vector along which a character is to move but also definingthe velocity for object travel along such vector.

The above described origin resetting feature of the present invention,when applied to three-dimensional type displays generated utilizing thesystem described in the above incorporated application Ser. No.08/562,288, may be advantageously utilized in games to change the"camera angle" to thereby modify the point of view at which a scene isviewed. For example, if an enemy were to fly off the screen headingtowards the side of a building, joystick mechanism 45 may be utilized tochange the perspective view so that the player, in effect determines thescene viewing angle. Thus, for example, if an enemy is hiding behind abuilding and can not be seen from the current point of view, joystickmechanism 45 may be utilized to change the point of origin to move the"camera angle" so that the building is viewed from the side even thoughthe character is not moved. Thus, even though an enemy does not have adirect view of a player's character and, vice versa, due to blockage bya building, the camera angle may be changed so that the player can seeboth the enemy and the controlled character.

By virtue of having both a directional switch 403 and a joystickmechanism 45, a player has the unique ability to both move an object andmanipulate a target simultaneously using the left and right hands. Thus,switch 403 may be used to move a character while joystick mechanism 45is used to align a firing mechanism in a particular direction to permitproper alignment for shooting a target.

The illustrative embodiment is only one exemplary implementation. Forexample, it is possible to apply the invention in this application toany type of video processing as long as it involves video processing inwhich the operator changes the video image by manipulating an operationmember.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An operation controlling device which isconnected, in use, to a video processing device which generates videodata to be displayed on a display unit in accordance with a storedprogram and to an operator's manipulations of said operation controllingdevice, said operation controlling device comprising:a housing sized tobe held in the hand of an operator; at least one moving object positioncontrol mechanism mounted in said housing for generating data indicativeof the display position of a moving object displayed on said displayunit in accordance with said stored program; a memory port disposed insaid housing; and a memory removably coupled to said memory port.
 2. Anoperation controlling device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said atleast one moving object position control mechanism includes an operationmember which, in use, is tilted by an operator within a desired rangeand is supported such that it stops at a desired position when not beingmanipulated by the operator to thereby define an operation member pointof origin, said operation member being capable of generating operationmember position data for controlling movement of a displayed objectalong any one of a substantially continuous range of angular directionswith respect to a coordinate reference frame defined by said point oforigin.
 3. An operation controlling device in accordance with claim 2,further includingprocessing circuitry for receiving at least one commandfrom said video processing device and for transferring operation memberposition data to said video processing device in response to saidcommand.
 4. An operation controlling device in accordance with claim 1,wherein said at least one moving object position control mechanismincludes a directional switch.
 5. An operation member according to claim2, further including reset signal generation circuitry for resettingsaid point of origin.
 6. An expansion memory device insertable in acavity leading to an expansion port of an operation controlling devicethat is coupled, in use, to a video processing device for generatingvideo data to be displayed on a display unit in accordance with a storedprogram and with an operator's manipulations of the operationcontrolling device, the expansion memory device comprising:a housingsized to fit into said cavity of said expansion port of said operationcontrolling device; a RAM memory embodied within said housing andaccessible by the video processing device via the expansion port of saidoperation controlling device, said RAM memory being operable, in use,for storing data relating to values generated in accordance with thestored program; and a battery coupled to the RAM memory for supplyingbackup power to said RAM memory.
 7. An expansion memory device inaccordance with claim 6, wherein the stored program is a video gameprogram and wherein the operation controlling device is a video gamecontroller, said RAM memory being operable, in use, for storing datarelating to an operator's achievement during game play.
 8. An expansionmemory device in accordance with claim 7, wherein said RAM memory isoperable, in use, for storing game-related statistics.
 9. An expansionmemory device in accordance with claim 6, wherein the stored program isa video game program and wherein the operation controlling device is avideo game controller, said RAM memory being operable, in use, forstoring data relating to game statistics.
 10. An expansion memory devicein accordance with claim 6, wherein said RAM memory is coupled to aconnector in the controller for receiving information from andtransmitting information to said video processing device in accordancewith said stored program.
 11. An expansion memory device in accordancewith claim 10, wherein said RAM memory interfaces with the videoprocessing device to provide a data saving option in accordance with thestored program.
 12. An expansion memory device insertable into a cavityof an expansion port of an operation controlling device, said operationcontrolling device expansion port including data, address and controllines, the expansion port having a controller connector, the expansiondevice comprising:a casing shaped to fit into the expansion port cavity;a RAM memory housed within said casing; and an expansion connectorcoupleable with the controller connector for connecting said data,address, and control lines to said RAM memory.
 13. An expansion memorydevice in accordance with claim 12, further comprising a battery coupledwith the RAM memory and supplying backup power necessary to store datain said memory.
 14. An expansion memory device in accordance with claim12, wherein the operation controlling device is coupleable, in use, to avideo processing device that generates video data to be displayed on adisplay unit in accordance with a stored program and with an operator'smanipulations of the operation controlling device, said RAM memoryaccessible by the video processing device, said RAM memory for storingdata relating to values generated in accordance with the stored program.15. An expansion memory device in accordance with claim 14, wherein thestored program is a video game program and wherein the operationcontrolling device is a video game controller, said RAM memory storingdata relating to game levels reached by the operator.
 16. An expansionmemory device in accordance with claim 15, wherein said RAM memory isoperable, in use, for storing game-related statistics.
 17. An expansionmemory device in accordance with claim 14, wherein the stored program isa video game program and wherein the operation controlling device is avideo game controller, said RAM memory being operable, in use, forstoring data relating to game statistics.
 18. An expansion memory devicein accordance with claim 14, wherein said RAM memory is coupled to aconnector in the controller for receiving information from andtransmitting information to said video processing device in accordancewith said stored program.
 19. An expansion memory device in accordancewith claim 18, wherein said RAM memory interfaces with the videoprocessing device to provide a data saving option in accordance with thestored program.
 20. An operation controlling device which is connected,in use to a home video game console having a video game processingsystem which generates video data to be displayed on a display unit inaccordance with an operator's manipulations of said operationcontrolling device and a stored program, said operation controllingdevice comprising:a housing sized to be held in the hand of an operator;a moving object position control mechanism mounted in said housing forgenerating data indicative of the display position of a displayed objectand which, in use, is tilted by an operator within a desired range tocontrol movement of a displayed object along any one of a substantiallycontinuous range of angular directions; detecting circuitry forgenerating data indicative of the direction and the rate of movementwhich a displayed object is to be moved; interface circuitry for sendingdata indicative of the direction and the rate of movement which adisplayed object is to be moved to said video game console and forreceiving data and commands from said console; and a memory which isaccessible by said video game processing system via said interfacecircuitry for storing video game related data.
 21. An operationcontrolling device in accordance with claim 20, wherein said at leastone moving object position control mechanism is supported such that itstops at a desired position when not being manipulated by the operatorto thereby define an operation member point of origin, said operationmember being capable of generating operation member position data forcontrolling movement of a displayed object with respect to a coordinatereference frame defined by said point of origin.
 22. An operationcontrolling device in accordance with claim 20, furtherincludingprocessing circuitry coupled to said interface circuitry forreceiving at least one command from said video processing system and fortransferring operation member position data to said video processingsystem in response to said command.
 23. An operation controlling devicein accordance with claim 20, further including a directional switch forcontrolling the direction of movement of a displayed object.
 24. Anoperation controlling device according to claim 21, further includingreset signal generation circuitry for resetting said point of origin.25. An operation controlling device according to claim 20, furtherincluding an expansion port located within a cavity in said housing andelectrically coupled to said interface circuitry, and wherein saidmemory includes a RAM memory sized to to fit into said cavity associatedwith said expansion port embodied within said housing and accessible bythe video processing system via the expansion port of said operationcontrolling device, said RAM memory being operable, in use, for storingvideo game related data.
 26. An operation controlling device which isconnected, in use, to a home video game console having a video gameprocessing system which generates video data to be displayed on adisplay unit in accordance with an operator's manipulations of saidoperation controlling device and a stored video game program, saidoperation controlling device comprising:a housing sized to be held inthe hand of an operator; a moving object position control mechanismmounted in said housing for generating data indicative of the displayposition of a displayed object and which, in use, is tilted by anoperator within a desired range to control movement of a displayedobject along any one of a substantially continuous range of angulardirections; detecting circuitry for generating data indicative of thedirection and the rate of movement which a displayed object is to bemoved; interface circuitry for sending data indicative of the directionand the rate of movement which a displayed object is to be moved to saidvideo game console and for receiving data and commands from saidconsole; and a liquid crystal display for displaying video game relateddata in accordance with a video game program.
 27. An operationcontrolling device in accordance with claim 26, further including aliquid crystal display controller for receiving data and control signalsfrom said interface circuitry to control the display of video gamerelated data.
 28. An operation controlling device in accordance withclaim 26, wherein said at least one moving object position controlmechanism is supported such that it stops at a desired position when notbeing manipulated by the operator to thereby define an operation memberpoint of origin, said operation member being capable of generatingoperation member position data for controlling movement of a displayedwith respect to a coordinate reference frame defined by said point oforigin.
 29. An operation controlling device in accordance with claim 26,further includingprocessing circuitry coupled to said interfacecircuitry for receiving at least one command from said video processingsystem and for transferring operation member position data to said videoprocessing system in response to said command.
 30. An operationcontrolling device in accordance with claim 26 further including adirectional switch for controlling the direction of movement of adisplayed object.
 31. An operation controlling device according to claim26, further including an expansion port located within a cavity in saidhousing; anda wherein said liquid crystal display is sized to fit intosaid cavity and is removably attachable to said expansion port.
 32. Anoperation controlling device which is connected, in use, to a home videogame console having a video game processing system which generates videodata to be displayed on a display unit in accordance with an operator'smanipulations of said operation controlling device and a stored program,said operation controlling device comprising:a housing sized to be heldin the hand of an operator; a moving object position control mechanismmounted in said housing for generating data indicative of the displayposition of a displayed object and which, in use, is tilted by anoperator within a desired range to control movement of a displayedobject along any one of a substantially continuous range of angulardirections; detecting circuitry for generating data indicative of thedirection and the rate of movement which a moving object is to be moved;interface circuitry for sending data indicative of the direction and therate of movement which a moving object is to be moved to said video gameconsole and for receiving data and commands from said console;processing circuitry coupled to said interface circuitry for receivingat least one command from said video processing system and forperforming at least one operation in response to said command; and amemory which is accessible by said video game processing system via saidinterface circuitry for storing video game related data.
 33. Anoperation controlling device in accordance with claim 32, furtherincluding an expansion port and wherein said memory is embodied on amodule removably attachable to said expansion port.
 34. An operationcontrolling device in accordance with claim 33, wherein said memory isoperable to store data relating to an operator's achievement during gameplay.
 35. An operation controlling device in accordance with claim 33,wherein said module includes a battery for supplying backup power tosaid memory.
 36. An operation controlling device which is connected, inuse, to a home video game console having a video game processing systemwhich generates video data to be displayed on a display unit inaccordance with a stored program and to an operator's manipulations ofsaid operation controlling device, said operation controlling devicecomprising:a housing sized to be held in the hand of an operator; amoving object position control mechanism mounted in said housing forgenerating data indicative of the display position of a displayed objectand which, in use, is tilted by an operator within a desired range tocontrol movement of a displayed object along any one of a substantiallycontinuous range of angular directions; and detecting circuitry forgenerating data indicative of the direction and the rate of movementwhich a moving object is to be moved; interface circuitry for sendingdata indicative of the direction and the rate of movement which adisplayed object is to be moved to said video game console and forreceiving data and commands from said console; processing circuitrycoupled to said interface circuitry for receiving at least one commandfrom said video processing system and for performing at least oneoperation in response to said command; and a liquid crystal display fordisplaying video game related data in accordance with a video gameprogram.
 37. An operation controlling device in accordance with claim36, further including an expansion port and wherein said liquid crystaldisplay is embodied on a module removably attachable to said expansionport.
 38. An operation controlling device in accordance with claim 37,further including a liquid crystal display controller for receiving dataand control signals from said interface circuitry to control the displayof video game related data.
 39. For use with a video game system consolehaving a game program executing processing system for executing saidvideo game program to create a display, and at least one playercontroller having a joystick control member and an insertion port forreceiving an expansion module, said video game executing processingsystem responding to data generated by said player controller to modifysaid display, an external memory system for controlling the operation ofsaid video game system console comprising:a memory media for storingprogram instructions; a connector for coupling said program instructionsfrom said memory media to said video game system console; said programinstructions including at least one instruction for causing said gameprogram executing processing system to transfer data to said expansionmodule coupled to said player controller insertion port.
 40. An externalmemory system according to claim 39, wherein at least one instruction insaid memory media controls said game program executing processing systemto output a command to the controller requesting operating state data.41. An external memory system according to claim 39, wherein saidexpansion module includes an external, removable read/write memory andwherein at least one instruction in said memory media controls said gameprogram executing processing system to output a command to thecontroller to write data to said read/write memory module.
 42. Anexternal memory system according to claim 39, wherein said expansionmodule includes an external, removable read/write memory and wherein atleast one instruction in said memory media controls said game programexecuting processing system to output a command to the controller toread data from said read/write memory module.
 43. An external memorysystem according to claim 39, wherein said expansion module includes anexternal, removable read/write memory and wherein at least oneinstruction in said memory media controls said game program executingprocessing system to output a command to the controller to write gameplay related data to said read/write memory.
 44. An external memorysystem according to claim 43, wherein said game play related data isdata which is indicative of the game play related state of a video game.45. An external memory system according to claim 39, wherein saidexpansion module includes a battery and an external, removableread/write memory coupled to said battery, and wherein at least oneinstruction in said memory media controls said game program executingprocessing system to output a command to the controller to access saidread/write memory module.
 46. An external memory system according toclaim 39, wherein said expansion module includes a liquid crystaldisplay for displaying video game related data in accordance with avideo game program.
 47. In a video game system having a programexecuting processing system and at least one player controller having ajoystick control member and an insertion port for receiving an expansionmodule, and an external memory device for storing a program forcontrolling the operation of said video game system, a method foroperating said video game system comprising the steps of:executing atleast one instruction stored in said external memory for causing saidprogram executing processing system to transmit data to said playercontroller; transferring data under the control of said programexecuting processing system to said player controller; receiving saiddata by said player controller under the control of controllerprocessing circuitry; and coupling said data to said player controllerexpansion module.
 48. A method according to claim 47, wherein saidexpansion module includes an external, removable read/write memory andwherein said step of executing at least one instruction includes thestep of executing a command to cause the controller to write data tosaid read/write memory.
 49. A method according to claim 47, wherein saidexpansion module includes an external, removable read/write memory andfurther including the step of executing a command to cause thecontroller to read data from said read/write memory module.
 50. A methodaccording to claim 47, wherein said expansion module includes anexternal, removable read/write memory and wherein said step of executingat least one instruction includes the step of executing a command tocause the controller to write game play related data to said read/writememory.
 51. A method according to claim 47, further including the stepof generating data indicative of the state of a video game, wherein saidexpansion module includes an external, removable read/write memory andwherein said step of executing at least one instruction includes thestep of executing a command to cause the controller to write said dataindicative of the state of a video game to said read/write memory.
 52. Amethod according to claim 47, wherein said expansion module includes anexternal, removable read/write memory, and further including the stepsof obtaining video game related data generated by a further processingsystem and accessing said video game related data by said programexecuting processing system via said read/write memory.
 53. A methodaccording to claim 52, where said step of obtaining includes the step oftransporting another player's read/write memory to said video gamesystem and electrically coupling said read/write memory to said videogame system.
 54. A method according to claim 47, wherein said expansionmodule includes a liquid crystal display and wherein said step ofexecuting at least one instruction includes the step of executing acommand to cause the controller to display data on said liquid crystaldisplay.